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I saw my first Rottweiler in April, 1978 at the Chicago International Show. I started showing dogs in 1974 (Doberman Pinscher and Black and Tan Coonhounds), but I was mesmerized by the dog I saw in the Working Group in Chicago. (Ch Rodsden’s Bruin Von Hungerbuhl CDX). Breeders were few and far between at the time, but I was able to get my first Rottweiler puppy in June of 1979, and I named him Berte. (Ch Rodsden’s Berte V Zederwald CDX)

I had never had such a smart and willing worker as Berte, and I was able to owner handle him to his American and Canadian Championship. He achieved a CDX in obedience, and loved lure coursing and Schutzhund work. He was everything and more I had ever hoped for in a dog. He went on to be campaigned as a special, and won the Working Group (when it included all the Herding dogs) over 50 times. He won the Medallion Rottweiler Specialty in 1985 and sired 30 champion offspring (including 3 best in show Rottweilers) from 30 breedings. One of his most successful sons was Ch Cannon Rivers Oil Tanker CD, who had 23 Best in Shows and won the American Rottweiler Club National 3 times.

I started breeding Rottweilers in 1991, as I wanted to learn as much as I could about the breed before starting my own program. Blackwood has produced over 25 champions, along with two VST (Tracking champions) titles and numerous obedience titles. My husband and I have also owned and supported other top winning dogs including BISS CH Blackwood Dante V Llyvngwerth CD, 7 times BIS Ch Andrecas Aramis Von Der Mond UD and BISS Ch Autumnsrun Zues of Destiny.

The goal of any good breeding program is to produce quality dogs adhering to the Breed Standard that maintain soundness relying on health tests. Genetics don’t always work as well in breeding as on paper, but a good breeder needs to anticipate any issues and be willing to continue to learn, change course if needed and strive to produce healthy Rottweilers that remain true to the breed standard.

Honesty and fairness to the prospective puppy buyers is always paramount at Blackwood, in addition to offering fair prices and trying to find the best home (nutrition and housing with good mental and physical activities) that result in permanent placement for each puppy. The Rottweiler is a working breed that needs a job, whether it is agility, tracking, obedience, rally, schutzhund or carting along with being an active family member that receives hours of attention daily from their family. This is not a dog that can sit in a kennel or a crate, as Rottweilers need an active lifestyle to suit their athletic temperament. Make sure you have the time, dedication, space and willingness to give the attention and training needed for this breed before bringing one into your home.